Waking up on some mornings the entire world seems dark. We may not feel able to comprehend happenings around us or the feelings within us. Confusion, incredulity, sadness, and heaviness are a few, not to mention just plain hopelessness.
Rene Magritte’s painting Empire of Light reminds me of what beloved author Anne Lamott writes, “Hope begins in the dark.” It is the subject of countless songwriters, poets, philosophers, and world religions: the presence of both darkness and, gratefully, light.
Recently on an 11-hour transatlantic flight departing from a bright London afternoon and flying west on a daylight path, I was disturbed to see every window on the 170-seat Airbus with the shades down. I’m a backseat pilot and find it centering and assuring to look out the window. I had anticipated a relaxed flying day of reading and reflecting, with natural light emanating through the cabin. That’s not what I got, and I had no control over other people’s choices. My comforts had been completely removed. I had no sense of our relative placement in space, of the weather, or frankly of my safety.
Two hours into the flight a lone passenger raised her shade. Though 10 rows from where I sat, I strained to peek at the light. I was comforted by it. So centering was it for me that I took a stroll several times during the flight to pass by the window, take a minute to look out and catch glimpses of the weather and possibly the land or sea beneath us, and feel myself relax.
It’s important for us to know where we can look for the light. “The light” may be literal, like taking a walk in nature or making sure we open the blinds in our homes. It might come from a spiritual practice that brings inspiration and connection with a Higher Power through reading sacred passages, meditating or praying, lighting a candle. And it can come from something simpler and close-in, needed right in the moment: a light cast through a sole airplane window on a crowded jumbo jet. We each deserve what brings us to a sense of hope, balance, love, and healing and to consider following its gentle invitation.
Thankfully, we can also find the light that brings hope and assurance with each other.
On the morning of the election, my own family was disquieted with the swirling of news, reactions, unrest. My daughter texted the simple message: “No matter what, Love rules and we are here for each other.” Being reminded of our warm human connection and commitment to one another in the simplest way brought peace and strength. Just as one raised window shade on a huge airplane lets the light in, so do our simple messages of connected assurance and care.
Magritte’s artistic work reminds me that it matters where we look. Beyond the trickery of the narrow view, another view is available. We might need a trusted mentor, a faith community, a friend, or a professional to help us see it, or we might just look across the street at the warm light in our neighbor’s window to be reminded of our shared humanity. We all can seek and find the light in our own ways and shine it for each other.
Sue Brightman is an INMI board member, interfaith chaplain, and business coach.